By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Countdown to the 2027 general elections, a Group under the auspices, Onward All Progressive Congress (O-APC), Christian Soldiers for Tinubu/Bago, Niger state chapter has encourged Christians in Niger state to vote for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago if they must get more appointments.
The call on Christians by the O-APC Christian Soldiers for Tinubu/Bago, to vote for Governor Bago if they want more appointments is coming against the backdrop of calls for equity, fairness and total inclusion of more Christians into decision making positions by Christian groups under, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Some Christian groups wanted the Bago led administration to in the spirit of equity and fairness bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims in political appointments, civil service job placements, admissions into public primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and other benefits enjoyed by every other indigenes.
While most Christians in Niger state are asking for equal representation, the O-APC Christian Soldiers for Tinubu/Bago, is trying to make it mandatory for Christians to vote for Governor Bago if they want to get employed.
Coordinator of the, O-APC Christian Soldiers for Tinubu/Bago in Niger state, Arch. Kolo Solomon, who spoke to some journalists on why it is important to vote Tinubu and Bago for second term said efforts are being made to garner 200 new supporters from each of the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Kolo, expressing no doubts that Christians in Niger state will stand by Tinubu and Bago in next year's general elections said, “The entire Christian community in Niger state is with Governor Bago. We will work hard to mobilize, pray and vote for him so that come 2027, he gets 100% of Christians votes".
He said, "Our immediate plan now is to make sure that we get 200 new supporters per LGA monthly across the 25 LGAs, this structure is designed to add about 5,000 committed supporters to this cause every month”.
Lamenting the lukewarm attitudes or inactiveness of Christians participating in politics in the state, Kolo said, “Over the years, Christians have been lagging behind in terms of participation in elective processes. Active participation in political processes is key and if you do not participate actively you may not be able to demand for appointments into positions".
“We plead for more appointments opportunities for Christians and to be included into the Governor's campaign team", Kolo said as he further hinted that more votes for Governor Bago is the only guarantee to getting employment and appointive opportunities for Christians in the state.
According to him, "Today, we stand to declare without fear, hesitation and apology to anyone our support for Governor Bago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the three APC Senatorial candidates for the zone A, B and C".
“We are working with equal commitments for the flag bearers of our great party, the APC across all the three senatorial zones, because a winning team must win in every contest.”
Kolo therefore encouraged all eligible Christian voters in the state who have their PVCs, to check their names on the register, speak to their neighbours to vote for the APC from top to bottom and as well, pray for all our leaders. NNL.
